Lavinium News Service [Regional news thread]

[Senate Island]

The Lavinium News Service is a regional news service operated by the Senate, the regional government of Lavinium. It is a compilation of news and events from regional news sources, as well as summaries of everyday events.

(OOC: This thread is open for players with nations in Lavinium, and those who interact with us on a regular basis, to post or comment on articles. All others are respectfully asked to contact me before posting. This idea was "borrowed" from the Western Wire.

[The Altani Confederacy]

Protests grow in Confederacy

THE HUB - Protests entering their seventh consecutive day grew in size and spread to almost every member state of the Confederacy today, demanding reform of the Confederate government and some of its member state governments as well.

An organized group behind the protests emerged for the first time today, calling itself Altani for Freedom and Reform, or the AFR. The AFR presented a slate of demands to government officials in the Confederate capital, as well as the Altan Ulus capital of Aktau and the Akamian capital of Celavan. Among the demands are allowing direct election of the Chief Councillor, as well as elected governments in the Altan Ulus, Akamia and Baruun-Urt.

Following the Republic War, the civil conflict that destroyed the former Altani Federation, the current Confederate government was formed. The Sovereignty Council, which consists of each Confederate head of state, and an appointed Chief Councillor, was created as a "joint head of state" to theoretically ensure equal representation. Many people in the Confederacy, however, are dissatisfied with having a head of state who is not directly elected by the people, as the President of the former Federation was. There are also complaints emerging that the Sovereignty Council takes too long to make decisions, and has not been quick enough to address the stagnating postwar Altani economy. The position of Chief Councillor is set to be reappointed to another three-year term in six months, but the AFR is demanding that the "affirmation" be cancelled and a commonwealth-wide election held.

The AFR is also targeting the governments of the member states of Akamia, the Altan Ulus and Baruun-Urt. After the war ended, those three states abolished their civilian governments and went to direct rule by their respective monarchs.

"We understand that the leaders on the Council are afraid of having a single head of state, because they don't want to repeat the tragedy of the Republic War," Abagai Qongqotan, the spokesperson for the AFR, said. "But we are used to electing our leaders, not being ruled over with no say in how we are led. We have nothing but love and respect for the monarchs of the Altan Ulus and Akamia, but we are not a third-world despotism. We have the right to, and demand, a democratic system of government," Qongqotan said. She said that the AFR is prepared to continue its protests for as long as it takes to bring about their desired reforms, despite the harshness of the advancing winter in the mainland Confederacy. The group has taken over public areas, as well as blockading streets and transportation facilities. The group has also established continuous protests outside the Aerie, the home of the Altan Khan of the Altan Ulus, as well as the Great Palace of the Sultan of Akamia. The group has also begun a continuous protest outside the Capital Complex, the center of government of the Confederacy.

So far, neither the Confederate government nor those of the Altan Ulus and Akamia have made any move to disperse the protesters. "No leader wants to be seen as using force against unarmed protesters, and raising the specter of how the fascist Republic government moved to do the same just a few years ago. Doing that would be as good as committing political suicide," a Confederate government official said, speaking anonymously. None of the targeted governments have shown any sign that they intend to meet the protesters' demands, however. "We intend to continue on the current course of affirmation or election of current officeholders in six months' time, as stipulated by Confederate and member state laws," a spokesperson for the Confederate government said. One of the candidates for Chief Councillor, however, has withdrawn from the race and is now siding with the protesters. Alana Kasimira, a former Federation President who was seeking the office currently held by Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian, is now saying that she supports the reforms demanded by the AFR and will only run for an elected position chosen by the commonwealth at large. "For any commonwealth or people truly desiring to be part of the modern era, and the greater international community, democracy is an absolute essential. It is something our peoples are entitled to, and I will join the AFR in fighting for it," Kasimira declared.

There has been no comment at all on the protests from either the Altan Ulus or Akamian governments. Both governments are "just trying to figure out how to respond at all, and how to resolve the situation without it becoming messy," Auken, the Khan of Baruun-Urt and a cousin of the Altan Khan, said today. "It's clear that on some level, these protests will have to be addressed, but after the war, you can't really blame us for not embracing the democratic paradigm as the protesters want us to."

[Senate Island]

• The government of Prince Shahnour of Nakchevan and Arjish has invited the naval forces of the Confederated Sublime Khanate of Urgench to help police the waters to the north of Bundazi/Zlatnik isle. In addition a third weapons installation, three times the size of the current Iron Gates weapons arrays which guard northern Azaristan, has been ordered from the Sublime Khanate to operate over the seas between Nakchevan and Zanjan.

The governments of the Valadian Empire and the Western Kingdom of La Plata have formally protested the Urgenchi deployment, with Valadian officials calling it "tantamount to a regional invasion".

Prince Jahan Baydu of Arnazam, Azaristan's Minister of Defence, responded: "The Valadian protests are absurd. Far be it for me to lecture them on regional geography but the Sublime Khanate is both a Lavinian state and represented by the Saka 'Ulus at the Senate. Urgenchi naval forces operate from bases in the Saka 'Ulus and with the express endorsement of the Senate with which body the CSKU is in excellent standing. Given that Valadia is attempting to turn our northern seas into a militarised zone by building installations all over them it has been deemed wise to call upon the assistance of the Sublime Khanate in keeping those waterways safe, open and free." Baydu was referring to the Valadian Empire's construction of a series of militarized naval stations in the Northern and Eastern Seas.

• The Imperial Household Bureaucracy of Azaristan has announced that her Imperial Majesty, Uanhartan, Khatun of Azaristan, is to make a state visit to Arjish to formally congratulate her son, Shahnour, Prince of Nakchevan and Arjish, on his recent coronation as prince. It is thought that the visit is an attempt to calm fears about a dynastic split over Shahnour's sudden elevation and is a clear indication of her Imperial Majesty's assent, and of a normalisation of otherwise unusual circumstances.

• Tehuacán's Movimiento Indígena de las Derechas and Movimiento Socialista de Tehuacán political parties have formally merged to create the Partido Socialista Moderno, or Modern Socialist Party. The MSP has become the sole political party in Tehuacán, to the dismay of those advocating a more democratic government. The MSP today also reached out to the Santosan Communist Party, congratulating it on its success in taking over the former Monarchist Party. "We hope to form closer ties with our socialist friends in Santosa, and around the world," the MSP said in a statement. A spokesperson for President Mayra Aruquipa said that the MSP's statement does not officially represent the Tehuacáno government. The Santosan Communist Party (Partido Comunista de Santosa) welcomed contact with the Modern Socialist Party. Chairman Alvaro Mateo said, “We greet our socialist friends in Tehuacán with warmth and friendship. We too wish to form a closer bond with our similarly minded brothers and sisters in Tehuacán, by doing so we hope to provide fertile ground for the furtherance of our ideals. The political movements of socialism and communism are closely related, some would even say that they are almost the same thing. I welcome any discussions or knowledge our kin in Tehuacán may be able to provide.”

• In an agreement jointly negotiated by the governments of the Altan Ulus and Akamia, and opposition movements in those nations, the Khanate of the Altan Ulus and the Sultanate of Akamia will move towards reforms which will allow for greater democracy and free elections, while allowing the Sultan and Altan Khan to remain in their current roles as the heads of state. Heads of government, to be known as Prime Ministers in both states, will be appointed by the monarch from the ranks of the national legislatures in those states. The monarchs have also agreed to support a proposal to expand the powers of the Chief Councillor of the Confederacy. In return, the opposition has dropped its demand to turn the Chief Councillor's position into an elected one, and has agreed to end its protests.

[Senate Island]

• The government of La Plata today officially banned several opposition parties, mainly those of socialist, communist or anti-government stances. The La Plata government also overturned a series of laws that were enacted before their independence from Tehuacán, among them laws concerning minimum wages and working hours, allowing for social security and welfare programs, and laws allowing abortion, gay marriage, and other social issues opposed by the Catholic Church.

• The government also announced plans to construct a naval force capable of action throughout western Lavinium, in keeping with La Plata's vision of building itself into one of the principal states of the west. The exact details were classified, but it is expected that Valadia will provide much of the naval equipment required.

• Large numbers of people have begun crossing the border between La Plata and Tehuacán, fleeing what they describe as oppressive and unfair laws, wages and working conditions in La Plata. A similar exodus has been taking place the other way, as rightists, the well-to-do and businesspeople have been leaving Tehuacán to move to La Plata. The drain of people on both sides has grown so severe that the two nations have begun quiet talks about closing the border between La Plata and Tehuacán.

• The Santosan Communist Party has spoken out against the recent repression of Communist ideas in La Plata. It vilifies the legislation an elitist oppression and a deliberate attempt to undermine the freedom of the La Platan people. A spokesman for the Santosan Communist Party (SCP) had this to say;

“This is an outrage! If the nations of Lavinium are as wise and benevolent as many of them claim to be then they will see this as what it is, a supremacist oppression! Our hearts are with our Communist brothers and sisters in La Plata. The government of La Plata oppresses and abuses its people, surely as civilised nations we will not stand for this!”

The SCP has not stated whether it intends to intervene in La Plata in support of the communist minded in the young nation. However any SCP involvement in La Plata would be done independently and without the support of the Santosa government. As such the risk would fall squarely on the SCP and its agents.

• The Santosan government publically criticised the La Platan government for its newly enacted laws primarily the banning of opposition parties, the unfair wages and oppressive working conditions. President Ramirez gave an address from Miguel Plaza in San Leona.

“I urge the government of La Plata to think carefully about the laws they are passing. It would seem they are no longer acting for their people and are enacting laws that only benefit a select few. The unfair wages and terrible working conditions are of particular interest to us, they just aren’t good enough. The banning of opposition parties has also come to our attention. The freedoms of the La Platan people are being undermined and that is something we cannot ignore.”

Santosa has opened its borders to any La Platan national wishing to flee their homeland and the oppression. There is widespread opinion in Santosa that King Enrique I is attempting to set himself up as a dictator.

• In an unexpected unanimous vote, Eranik Zurabian was chosen to serve another three-year term as Chief Councillor of the Altani Confederacy today by the Sovereignty Council. The reaffirmed Chief Councillor, in a brief statement, thanked everyone who had supported her and pledged to continue her mission of reconciliation and reforming Altani politics and society. Zurabian also promised new measures to boost the struggling Altani economy.

Reports emerged after the vote that Zurabian's opponents, Surengiin Borhondoi and Alana Kasimira, may have been consorting with Valadian agents. Treason charges may be brought by the Altan Ulus against the two. If this occurs, such charges could effectively gut both the conservative movement started by Jinella Agaranth and taken over by Borhondoi, and the Federation-revivalist movement led by Kasimira.

[Senate Island]

• The Confederate Ministry of State confirmed that two Valadian intelligence agents have been detained in Sharyngol and Aktau as part of an ongoing investigation into possible attempts to tamper with the recent Confederate elections and the choice of a Chief Councillor. Confederate officials would not confirm eyewitness reports that the CID teams sent to detain the Valadians suffered "significant casualties" before finally arresting them.

• The individuals convicted of the systematic elimination of Republican supporters and officials in the aftermath of the Republic War have been pardoned by Confederate Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian after a year in prison. In total, 150 prisoners were released. No official comment on the pardons was forthcoming.

• The Consulate Court concluded today as four LLF members were convicted guilty of committing Treason and numerous counts of murder. The Provincial Guard concluded that the four were the ones responsible of committing the LLF Bombing in the Cadish Provinces. The four have refused to give any more testimony on the whereabouts of other LLF members. The Consulate Court also concluded that the Provincial Guard found enough substantial evidence to indict the four to death by Firing Squad. Many protesters arrived after the decision to continue the long debate on the Cadish Provinces' death sentence. The Consulate has so yet refused to hold any hearing on the death penalty.

• A major winter snowstorm has struck northern Lavinium, causing significant impact in the Larakol Province of Zalkathar, as well as areas of the Valadian Empire.

[Senate Island]

• Those responsible for the LLF bombing in Miguel Plaza, San Leona have been brought to justice. All members of the active terrorist cell were captured in a surgical raid by elite members of the Santosan military. Commandos made a tactical insertion into a residential estate on the outskirts of the city late at night and succeeded in catching the terrorists’ off-guard. The Congreso Nacionale (National Congress) met with the Supreme Court to debate how best to deal with the madmen. Supreme Justice Rico Garmeniz gave an official statement.

“We have discussed the best course of action. These men are truly evil men beyond hope of reform, we cannot ignore the families of the deceased who clammer for justice. It is our belief that if these men are allow to live they will only conspire to bring more suffering and death. I announce the harshest sentence possible, summary execution!”

The twelve LLF agents are currently confined in a maximum security prison awaiting their executions. Each agent is housed in solitary confinement and restricted to his cell twenty four hours a day.

• Support for the execution announcement came from an unexpected source. The Los Perdidos MC, currently Santosa’s only motorcycle club, held a run through central San Leona in support of the Ramirez Administration’s announcement. The bikers wore their patches with pride and rode in support of the families of the victims. Jose Marquez, President of the Los Perdidos Motorcycle Club spoke at the conclusion of the ride.

“They may call us outlaws but we love our country just as much as the rest of you. These men are evil, heartless monsters who take delight in killing innocents! We applaud President Ramirez for taking such a hard-line on these scum.”

Members of the club distributed aid packages and gestures of support for the bereaved and stood strong in their support of the verdict.

• Valadian officials announced that the Empire will send an ambassador to the Altani Confederacy, to formally open diplomatic relations and ease tensions following the recent detention of two spies accused of trying to influence Confederate elections.

• The government of Azaristan has announced that 6 individuals travelling in Malazgam Rayon on fake Palaamian passports, posing as merchants, have been arrested on suspicion of being Valadian agents. The group was apprehended during a routine security sweep in the area around the Pihr Shahrain military installation, it is thought they were attempting to gather information on Azari military strength and to run sabotage operations and to provoke sedition in the wake of recent disturbances in Nakchevan.

A statement on behalf of the Divan read "Azaristan cannot ignore the very real threat to our national security this spy ring represented, and nor can we rule out the most serious of consequences attendant upon our full investigation of the activities of these operatives. The Valadians have grievously violated our security, and attempted to undermine the peace of the realm by endangering Azari lives. The entire region cannot be safe while Valadian operatives continue to subvert the security and lawful governance of any state which the Valadians regard as prey in their imperial design. Azaristan regards itself as being in a state of the highest readiness for attack and under direct threat of further aggression from Valadia at this point, and without full and formal assurances of the goodwill of Valadia and the total cessation of its current warmongering activities towards Azaristan and its allies a process of events shall be put in place which will see Azaristan do whatever it must to maintain its security and freedom. We intend to consult with our allies both within the region and beyond on the present situation but no one should be under any illusions, if Azaristan is aggressed then it will take appropriate measures to insure our aggressors can never endanger the lives and freedoms of our people ever again."

[Senate Island]

Regional news

• Regional elections have concluded with the Shirvanshah, of Azaristan, being elected to another term as General Secretary of the Lavinium Senate, and Sophie Fournier, of the Altani Confederacy, being elected to another term as Delegate.

• The LLF denounced the recent death sentences levied against their members in the Cadish Provinces and Santosa, and warned that there would be "reprisals" to punish those governments.

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The Cadish Provinces

• Residents of Tempest Alde celebrated today as the University of Tempest Alde officially reopened its doors to those wishing a higher education. The University or UTA was closed after government funding was withdrawn from the school due to massive budget cuts and several donation scams committed by the school's owners. UTA's campus has now recieved funding for the maintaining the school itself, and to broaden its range of education. President Ula, of the University of Tempest Alde, gave a short statement:

"It is my Honor to see these halls of learning opened once more. I am glad to see that our Union has finally seen that higher education needs to be refined in the Cadish Provinces. To pay for an enitre campus, and teachers' wages, and funding to the University's Science Department will allow students far and wide to affordably obtain a higher education.

It is also a privilege to say, that by an executive order by the Paragon himself an Alumni of this once Prestigious School, the University of Tempest Alde will be accepting foreign students from abroad to its halls. An honor to announce the Cadish Provinces's first foreign student program in Union history."

Reports however indicate that the Provincial Guard has been instituted as a security force for the campus.

• New Haven City and the 8th Province was also in celebration today as the Cadish Moderi Gevali Parveli or the Cadish Free Communist Party achieved victory in the Provincial Senate over the Freedoms United Party. The Gevali Party obtained all three seats to the Senate from the 8th Province, effectivily making the Communist Party an official Union Party, and effectivily knocking the Freedom's United Party off of the entire Provincial Senate floor. Senator Belik had commented on his election to office along with his fellow senators:

"It is a proud day to see the Cadish Provinces is becoming a proud state to give communism a chance. I applaud Paragon Tural, for his goal to refine our people's education, but it is not enough my people! We must still see that the Union still needs strong leaders, and one day we will attribute communism to it's great success in the future. For our values will show us the way!"

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Santosa

• The government of Santosa and the Republic itself has stood strong in the face of LLF threats, showing no sign of fear. Instead the Ramirez Administration directly challenged the terrorists in a show of force.

“We will not be afraid! We will not cower and hide! We will stand and fight no matter what these terrorist madmen throw at us! Santosa is our home and we will fight for her to the very last man! Here me leaders of the LLF! No matter what you do to me or my nation we will not give in! We will not be bullied or intimidated! I promise you this, as long as your little band of madmen continues to threaten my nation you will know no peace! We will stand firm no matter what and you, you shall fall!”

Security at all Santosan airports and ports has been stepped up with intense screening for suspected LLF terrorists or their sympathisers. Armed Air Marshals have been stationed on all flights to guard against hijacking. It has become impossible for LLF agents to infiltrate Santosa without being detected.

• Santosa and Valadia remain on friendly terms. The FBI reports that there have been no Valadian or suspected-Valadian intrusions into the Republic of Santosa perhaps due to the warming diplomatic relations between the two nations. There is however, a Valadian Cultural Team visiting Santosa in an effort to learn more about the country while a Santosan team visits the Eternal Empire. President Alejandro Ramirez spoke up in support of Emperor Andellias.

“I caution the nations of Lavinium to act wisely in regards to Valadia. It is much easier to point the finger and vilify than it is to understand and work together. Emperor Andellias is simply trying to do the best he can for his people and his country. Now, I have heard a lot of rumours flying around about him and his government but for the time being my government shall treat them as just that, rumours.”

• The Santosan Communist Party (SCP) congratulated the Cadishi Communist Party on its recent success in the Cadishi Senate. Chairman Alvaro Mateo formerly congratulated the leaders of the before mentioned party.

“It is good to see that the people of the Cadish Provinces are open minded enough to give Communism a chance. I congratulate our Cadishi comrades in the Cadish Free Communism Party on their tremendous success and offer them the opportunity to open communication with us should they so desire. For Communism to succeed the parties that follow it must be prepared to communicate to further understand and refine the political movement. So I say, well done to our Cadishi friends!”

Santosa's own Communist Party is also a major political group along with the Democratic Party and the Autocratic Party. The latter is not to be mistaken for a revival of the Royalist Party, which was absorbed by the SCP, but rather an elitist political party founded by Santosa's wealthy echelon. The SCP continues its rise to prominence in the Congreso Nacionale and party rallies are being staged across the nation. Chairman Mateo was reported to have said '...[The] success of the Cadish Free Communist Party is a great victory for our political movement. It is our hope that our Cadishi friends will come to understand and embrace the truths that Communism holds.'

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The Altani Confederacy

• In its annual review, the Confederate State Department elevated Intermaris to the status of a "friendly" nation from "neutral" on its Diplomatic Status list. The State Department added La Plata for the first time, as a nation deemed "hostile" to the Confederacy. Uch-Malazgam, Hartlandshire and Castleberry also joined the list for the first time, as "neutral" nations. All other nations' status remained unchanged. The Confederacy also added the LLF to its list of terrorist organizations.

• In her inaugural speech, newly empowered Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian exhorted the peoples of the Confederacy to "redeem the name of the Altani" by "standing up for what is good and right in our region". While not referring to Valadia by name, the Chief Councillor nevertheless declared that the Confederacy "must once more become the beacon of freedom, equality, self-determination and justice in Lavinium" by "presenting a clear and compelling alternative to the tyranny represented by imperial states in our region". Zurabian also stated that the Confederacy, "far from being cowed" by terrorist threats, "would take the fight to the architects of terror more fiercely and with more determination than ever".

"We Altani have never bowed to foreign pressure or criminals' threats, and we must not do so now," Zurabian said, warning that the "stakes are far too great". Zurabian expressed confidence that, despite its current struggles, the Confederacy would continue to progress "and will prove that our best days are not behind us, but ahead of us". Experts interpreted the Chief Councillor's speech as signaling a new intent by the Hub to end the Confederacy's recent isolation from international affairs.

On the domestic front, Zurabian pledged to continue with her program of reconciliation, and praised recent moves by Altan Ulus and Akamian officials to heal the longstanding rift between their states. Zurabian also pledged a series of new initiatives to boost the struggling Altani economy, and also expressed her intent to revive Altani initiatives that never made progress in the Lavinium Senate, such as a common regional currency and free trade zone. Zurabian indicated that the Confederacy may approach regional partners independent of the Senate to enact such initiatives.

• Minister of Confederate Services Erdenijn Tsedenbal, whose ministry has responsibility for the Confederate system of higher education, expressed an interest in the foreign student program to be enacted at the University of Tempest Alde; the Minister said that Confederate colleges and universities would be interested in an exchange program.

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Tehuacán

• The Modern Socialist Party of Tehuacán offered its congratulations today to the Cadish Free Communist Party for its victory in elections in the 8th Province. "Our brothers and sisters in the Cadish Moderi Gevali Parveli have achieved a great victory in our common desire to bring a better future to the peoples of our nations, and we applaud their success and wish them nothing but success in the future. They may rest assured that the people of Tehuacán will stand with them in their quest for a better tomorrow," the statement read.

• Tehuacáno environmental officials issued a report today claiming that overfishing and "overexploitation" of maritime resources and fisheries by joint La Platan-Valadian operations in the Coo'men and Western Seas are posing a threat of "ecological disaster", and urged their neighbor to "show restraint and practice responsible management of our shared heritage of the oceans".

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Valadia

• Valadian officials announced today that a suspected Altani spy was captured earlier this week on Blasius Island, an island near Wyndelenau, while conducting surveillance activities against the Empire. The newly named Valadian ambassador to the Confederacy, Lord Surgallas, is expected to raise this point in response to the Confederacy's capture of two Valadian spies when he meets with Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian later this week.

• In his daily address, the Emperor praised Santosan President Alejandro Ramirez for "having an open mind, and an open heart" towards the Empire. "President Ramirez, by being willing to listen to us without preconceived notions, has proven to be one of the few true statesmen in Lavinium. Would that more nations in our region had such leaders," his Majesty said, adding that the Valadian cultural mission to Santosa "has been overwhelmed by the generosity and friendly nature of the Santosan people". The Emperor added that the rapidly warming relations between Santosa and the Empire prove that Valadia and its neighbors can coexist in peace and cooperation.

• Valadian officials dismissed a Tehuacáno report that Imperial automated fisheries, working with the government of La Plata, are overfishing the western oceans of Lavinium. "Our fisheries are state of the art, and work constantly to breed and restock the oceans they work. What possible economic gain would there be for us to pillage the oceans until they are useless to anyone?" Lady Kelda, the Governor of the Imperial Oceanic Development Consortium, said. "I fear that this is simply another Tehuacáno attempt to slander the Empire, as they have done in the past," Lady Kelda added.

[Senate Island]

Treaty signed, but battle not over

SENATE ISLAND - While a formal treaty has been signed between the Valadian Empire and its neighbors, this has not brought an end to the ongoing furor surrounding the Empire's conduct.

As promised, the representative of the Confederacy of Sovereign States to the regional government, Nikolai Nagashybyuly, has brought forward a proposal with provisions aimed at what he called the "blatant loopholes and shortcomings" of the Treaty of Ammurru. "The Treaty, as signed, was a complete and utter sham, that allowed Valadia to get off virtually unscathed from its utterly uncivilized conduct. This is not acceptable, and I intend to do whatever I can to make sure that the regional government holds Valadia to account for its crimes, and prevents other nations from following Valadia's footsteps," Nagashybyuly said.

Nagashybyuly's proposed Declaration For Civilized Conduct, if enacted, would bar nations or private entities in Lavinium from occupying Senate-administered neutral land, or harvesting resources on those lands. It would also require nations in the region to allow the Senate to monitor the conduct of nations such as Valadia, which have annexed neighboring territories. If a majority of people in occupied territories could request Senate monitoring to protect human rights and indigenous culture, a request the "occupying power" would have to honor. The proposal would also give the regional government the authority to sanction offending parties, or even use military force against them.

The proposal, however, has run into resistance over another clause it contains concerning weapons of mass destruction. Other regional powers, such as Greenland and Santosa, have raised objections that the proposal gives the Senate too much authority by authorizing the regional government to use force to remove governments that use WMDs against their own people or neighboring states, and to arrest their leaders and bring them to trial by the regional courts. "The objections that many of the other Senators have don't stem from the ban on WMDs, or the other actions that would be banned - no one in the region is a cheerleader for indiscriminate WMD use or imperialism, except maybe the Valadians themselves," one of the Senators, speaking anonymously, said. "This proposal goes too far though, in that it gives the regional government the power to overthrow the governments of sovereign states, and use military force against them, for a range of offenses. That's just too much power to give a regional body," the Senator said, adding that most Senators "want to keep the Senate, and the regional government, as a source of mutual agreement and consensus, rather than see it become an intrusive body that forces mandates on the region."

While sharply criticizing opponents by saying that they have kept the regional government "so ineffectual and toothless that it makes the WA look useful and forceful in comparison," Nagashybyuly agreed to make changes as part of a friendly amendment. This has not stopped Valadian criticism, however; Lady Kadys, the Valadian representative to the Senate, claimed that Nagashybyuly is pursuing a personal vendetta against her Empire. Lady Kadys also stated that the proposal "covers nothing that Ammurru does not cover," and that the proposal was a "shocking" reward to the "good faith" the Empire has shown in attempting to ease regional tensions. Her comments led to a series of sharp exchanges between the two Senators, culminating in the Valadian Senator urging Nagashybyuly to place his proposal in a shredder to improve it, and the Confederate Senator responding by telling Lady Kadys to "kindly shove your overly expensive frock that was paid for by the blood of your conquered peoples in there instead." The increasingly acrimonious tone of the debate led to both Senate officials and other Senators requesting a return to order.

With the debate period about to end, it is expected that Nagashybyuly will call for a final vote on the proposal shortly. The Empire has warned that approval "will harm the spirit of cooperation with the region under which we have engaged with our neighbors and worked to counter regional threats, such as the LLF," but it is unlikely that Valadia will withdraw from regional cooperation, at least in the short term.

[Senate Island]

Regional news summary

Regional government

• Numerous tactical strikes have begun in the region against key holdings of the Lavinium Liberation Front terrorist organization (LLF), according to a press release from SHIELD. As many as 800 LLF fugitives have either been apprehended or killed in just the first day of action.

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Azaristan

• The UMA has announced the unilateral demilitarisation of the border with the Eternal Empire of Valadia and the lifting of restrictions on transit and trade imposed upon Valadians prior to Ammurru. Yadvart Berenk (spokesman for the Imperial Chancellor) said "we need no treaty. If Valadia truly desires to respect the territorial integrity and security of its neighbours then it should not need one either. And besides creating a new instrument in international law to hold Valadia to pre-existing responsibilities in international law seems redundant. De-escalation on our part should indicate our intentions toward Valadia, the ball will then remain in their court to take practical measures of their own in true good faith."

• A new Security Secretary has been appointed, Madame Baichelaniq. Baichelaniq is a long serving operative, having joined the Secretariat 60 years ago and has served as Director of the Secretariat's Northern and Eastern bureaus, she is viewed as being moderately hawkish but more importantly as a highly capable and effective pair of hands who will doubtless restore internal morale in the wake of the embarrassing resignation of the previous Secretary, Princess Rhiphsime.

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Santosa

• The Santosan Business Association (SBA) has successfully defended a recent offer inviting foreign companies to expand into the Republic of Santosa. Fringe groups hailed this move as a foriegnisation and sell-out. But SBA Chairman Pedro Matias gave a public statement in defence of his offer. "The business sphere of the Republic of Santosa is a woefully bland and stunted one. We believe that inviting international brands and companies to set up in our nation will diversify the range of products available to residents and tourists. In turn it will also provide a much needed kick to prompt resident businessmen to set up their own companies to get in on the market."

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Valadia

• Valadian forces begin pulling back from the waters between the Empire and Azaristan, and moving some of their naval emplacements from the Eastern Sea. While the Empire gives no explanation for its actions, it is seen as a sign that Valadia is moving to reduce tensions in the region. Experts note, however, that many of the redeployed forces are moved north and west, indicating that the Empire still sees the Confederacy of Sovereign States as a threat.

• The Valadian government announces that it will send Lord Rhyani, a distant cousin of the Emperor, to the court of Azaristan to serve as an ambassador.

• As part of his planned "Great Exploration", the Emperor announces that a fleet of new colony ships will be dispatched outside of Lavinium, seeking new territories to add to the Empire.

---

Greenland

• The Federal government begins reviewing and revoking the citizenship of those Greenlanders confirmed to be "participating" in the ongoing rebellion led by the Great Gooar. Among the first to be disenfranchised are the "100 Traitors"; those soldiers originally sent to arrest Borli under charges of treason who instead became the first group of rebel defectors. The process has been criticized for leaving the rebels little avenue for amnesty or incentive for surrender, and has some worried that if the rebels are defeated their members may become stateless wards inclined to flee abroad and present troubles for other states.

• A police crackdown on a IWU riot in Nuuk has reportedly turned up evidence that the agitators are likely being led and supplied by agents of the Lavinium Liberation Front. Federal police are reportedly considering increased security measures to prevent terrorist or extremist activity in the Greenlandic isle, amidst concerns that it may contribute to further destabilization of the government.

---

The Confederacy of Sovereign States

• Three-A Industrial and Manufacturing, Summa Technologies and the Shisheli Corporation all announce plans to open manufacturing plants in San Leona, on the heels of a recent agreement with Santosa to begin operations there. All three companies also announce plans to begin offering products manufactured in Santosa through local stores, and through the Omnimart chain, once operations commence. Omnimart also announced plans to open an initial slate of 25 stores in Santosa, with eventual plans to expand to over 100 stores by the end of the year.

• MediaMax announces plans to open a production studio and "creativity center" in San Leona, to work with Santosan artists and to begin distributing both locally produced and Confederate-produced media products. The company also announces plans to open an initial slate of 30 stores in the country.

• Talks have begun between the Confederate government and Tehuacan to locate manufacturing plants and stores in Tehuacan similar to the deal with Santosa, in exchange for Tehuacano businesses being provided assistance to break into the Confederate market.

• The Ministry of Justice has begun an investigation into the Lavinian Rangers, after complaints of deceptive advertising and recruiting have emerged. Justice Minister Ilan Dresner said that Rangers advertising "often implies that this mercenary outfit is somehow affiliated with the regional peacekeeping forces, or the regional government", and also stated that his office has received "numerous complaints" alleging that Rangers recruiters have made the same implication in their sales pitches to prospective recruits.

• Confederate Intelligence reports that it has thwarted an attempt by the LLF to attack Tehuacáno and Confederate soldiers serving at Joint Base Yacuiba. The plot revolved around sending armed gunmen to target isolated groups of soldiers at civilian establishments near the base, such as nightclubs and restaurants. The LLF suspects have been handed over to Tehuacáno authorities.

• A report issued by a coalition of Confederate universities and social welfare groups warns that the Confederacy could potentially become a haven for the LLF despite its robust security apparatus. "Continued rebuilding and economic struggles after the Republic War, coupled with a widening income gap between the rich and poor, discontent at the unfettered capitalism and corporatocracy practiced in the Confederacy, and nonexistent social services or welfare at the government level, could provide a fertile ground for the LLF to recruit disaffected individuals," the report warned.

---

Tehuacán

• Government officials announced today that Tehuacán will phase out the real, its present currency, in favor of a new currency to be called the zelaya. The new currency is to be named after Manuel Zelaya, the iconic first leader of the current Republic of Tehuacán. "With this step, Tehuacán sheds the last vestige of colonialism, by shedding the currency it inherited from its former Spanish masters, and unveils a new currency that reflects both its heritage and its future," President Mayra Aruquipa said at the unveiling. The new currency will be pegged at a fixed exchange rate to a basket of currencies to include the Confederate Credit, Valadian Crown, Azaristani Darang and Santosan Peso.

---

Cadish Provinces

• Civilian reports from outside Gelis-Hal report a massive overhaul of several hundred Provincial Guardsmen being routed to the outskirts of Gelis-Hal over the last 48 hours. This is shock to most civilians who haven't seen any movement from Union military except to enter Gelis-Hal and perform surveys of the streets, arrest and enter Sons of Tetra holdups, or even to come to the defense of civilians under attack. Provincial Guard officials however refuse to comment on why they are being reassigned to Gelis-Hal. Union officials refused to comment on anything inquiring the movement but did comment: "Any movements of the Provincial Guard should be inquired by the offices in their respective Province. It is still the responsibility of C.T.F, and the C.S.U to coordinate the operations in Gelis-Hal."

•Horizon Superstores announced the opening of multiple stores and operations in Santosa. Energies United also opened operations in the Santosan market, both taking advantage of the SBA's offer. Energies United and Horizon officials noted that the investment in Santosa will not only bolster the Santosan and Cadishi economies but will help secure a more prominent position of the western part of Lavinium.

---

La Plata

• La Plata becomes the latest victim of LLF action, with car bombs set off in the cities of La Plata, Villamontes and Puerto Suarez. The targets included government offices in the capital, a club popular with Valadian and La Platan soldiers, a bank, the offices of the Association of Landowners and Empresarios, and two Catholic churches. The government of La Plata refuses to confirm casualty numbers or release any other information on the attacks, and states that everything is under control.

[Valadia Prime]

• The Imperial government announces that its security services have found ties between the LLF and domestic terror organizations, such as the Republic Restoration Society and various separatist groups throughout the Empire. Imperial forces begin detaining individuals suspected of such ties.

Through a spokesperson representing the Society, and its provisional Valadian government in exile, the Society denies it has any ties to the LLF and accuses the Imperial government of using the LLF threat as an excuse to weed out opposition to the Emperor.

[Senate Island]

Cadish Provinces

• Union Officials announced the commencement of the Trail Seeker Initiative ordered by Paragon Tural. Officials have detailed the initiative as a massive relocation and questioning operation to seek and draw out Sons of Tetra elements from the city of Gelis-Hal. Isolationist activists criticized the Provincial Senate and the Consular court for not having the motion heard, leaving most of the senators to state: "The Paragon ordered the Initiative in a Calling, our laws permit the Paragon to make such an order, even an order that can break some personal rights, to what he think will help the Union. Even our oldest Paragons before the Shatter have done this, this is nothing new. No other comment."

The Initiative was accompany the Paragon's plan to revitalize Gelis-Hal, formerly a major mining center, and eliminate the threat that occupies the Cadishi city.

"This is a long term plan, we do not have the resources to move and question everyone at once. Gelis-Hal is riddled with an infection in the body, in order to drive out the infection, you have to either destroy it, transfuse it with replacement cells, or abandon it. The third is not an option in this case," stated Paragon Tural in his announcement of the Initiative.

---

The Commonwealth of Independent Nations

• According to anonymous government sources, Ministry of State officials have begun quietly sounding out other nations in the region about forming closer trade and defense ties, as the foundation for creating an alliance to "supplement or replace" the Commonwealth's current ties to the Oriental League. The sources expressed concern that the League "has gone moribund", and cite the Valadian and LLF threats as evidence that the Commonwealth needs to form "more robust alliances" with other Lavinian nations.

• An attempt to bomb the palace of the Sultan in Celavan by LLF operatives has been prevented, Akamian officials report. One Akamian security officer was reportedly killed, while two LLF agents were also killed and one detained.

---

Valadia

• In a rousing speech at the graduation ceremonies for the Mehmaitron Imperial University in Vyviau, the Emperor decried the "decadence and self-obsession" that have "absorbed and overtaken" Valadian youth, and urged them to "devote their service and their energies to building a greater Empire".

"While it is right, and even proper, to enjoy the benefits and comforts that our Empire has brought us, it is unseemly to wallow in them. We must remember that such benefits and comforts do not come without a price - and that price is the hard work, sacrifice and devotion that is necessary to maintain and expand our great nation," the Emperor said, calling on the graduates, and others like them soon to leave university, to sign up for the Imperial Trailblazers organization which he has recently begun as a form of national service.

[Senate Island]

La Plata

• The ruler of La Plata, HM Enrique I, denounced the Commonwealth of Independent Nations for not inviting the small kingdom to send representatives to the Sharyngol Summit. "While the snake-tongued charmer of the Commonwealth, Eranik Zurabian, says that this organization is meant to include all nations of Lavinium as equal partners, her actions speak otherwise. It is clear that, by excluding nations the Commonwealth does not find 'acceptable', that this so-called treaty organization is not meant to be an equal partnership of all nations. Rather, we suspect that it is merely another attempt by the tired and tattered Commonwealth to regain the hegemony that it once held over Lavinium, one which is destined to fail. I can assure you, my friends, that the Western Kingdom will be around long after both the Commonwealth and any hegemonic organization it starts have faded into the mists of history. We do not need them," the King concluded.

---

Greenland

• The rebels released a statement earlier criticizing the Commonwealth for inviting the Federal government to the summit in Sharyngol.

"Epapter is a man without principles - lacking both the spine and the conscience to oppose extremism and tyranny in the region" the rebels alleged. "The great powers of the region have extended their hand to a flake, and scorned those who would have stood at their side against the menace of Valadia".

---

Valadia

• The Imperial government issued a strong condemnation of both the recently passed Senate legislation Declaration For Civilized Conduct and the Sharyngol Summit. "By pursuing legislation that is clearly hostile to the Empire in its language and intent, and by excluding us and our La Platan friends from a summit aimed at uniting the nations of Lavinium in a common treaty organization, it is becoming painfully apparent that the Commonwealth of Independent Nations intends to continue provoking the Empire and pursuing a negative course in international relations. We respectfully urge the Commonwealth to change its course, lest we be forced to respond in kind to protect our interests," Lord Aerham, Foreign Minister, said in Vyviau today. Despite the provocations, the Foreign Minister said that Valadian cooperation with the region, and its compliance with both Senate laws and the Treaty of Ammurru, would continue for now. "The Sunshine Policy is not dead, despite the best efforts of the Commonwealth to kill it," Lord Aerham added.

Lord Aerham also briefly addressed a statement made by the rebels in Greenland labeling Valadia a "menace": "They should be more concerned with the menace the Epapter government is posing their failing rebellion, rather than seeking to make an enemy out of us, who have been a neutral party in the Greenlandic crisis up to now. It would be a shame if we needed to change our stance concerning that crisis."

---

The Commonwealth of Independent Nations

• The Commonwealth government defended its decisions concerning who it has invited to the Sharyngol Summit today. "In the case of La Plata, we did not extend an invitation to them because it remains the Commonwealth's position that La Plata is not a truly independent state, nor was its secession from Tehuacan legitimate," Minister of State Samira Shirazi said. "We cannot extend an invitation to such a state. As for Valadia, while we understand their point, they must understand ours. They may be trying to improve relations with the region, but a few months of positive actions and one treaty aren't going to make up for their much-touted thousand-year history of violent and questionable acts overnight. Nor will a few polite gestures simply erase the memory of how they used bioweapons against innocent people. Valadia has much more to do to gain our trust, and it is amazing to us that they can possibly see it otherwise." Shirazi left the door open to adding Valadia to any treaty organization that may be created at Sharyngol "on a probationary basis" once the particulars are finalized.

Shirazi also defended the decision to extend an invite to the Epapter government. "While we also understand the rebels' desire for representation, as it stands now, the Epapter government remains the legitimate, elected government of Greenland, and as such, is the partner that we would work with. If the rebels truly want to gain legitimacy, we would urge them to lay down their arms, end their violent insurrection, and negotiate their concerns with the Epapter government." Shirazi said that the Confederacy would be willing to allow representatives from the rebel side to come to Sharyngol as well to start such negotiations, but that such an agreement would require both parties to agree to talks.

[The Altani Confederacy]

• Commonwealth defense officials announce plans to begin fully implementing its Single Sword Project across the entire Commonwealth military, creating what has been labeled the Integrated Service. Naval, air and ground forces will be integrated into a single unified defense force, with a unified command. The project is expected to eliminate inter-service rivalries and provide a more efficient and streamlined command structure. Several Commonwealth member states announce plans to implement similar plans within their own militaries.

• The Sharyngol Summit has begun, opening talks aimed at creating a regional treaty organization.

[Senate Island]

• In accordance with Article I, Clause A of Regional Declaration XX, the Declaration for Civilized Conduct, a group of attorneys representing people dispossessed of land and resources by Valadian harvesters in Senate-administered neutral lands announce that they will sue the Eternal Empire in the regional courts. The group is seeking a total of 1.6 billion Valadian Crowns in damages, a term that Imperial officials described as "outlandish and absurd".

"We will vigorously dispute this ludicrous attempt at attorney-assisted theft to the utmost of our abilities," Lord Aerham, Valadian Foreign Minister, said.

[Senate Island]

Tense standoff between Valadia, Commonwealth


Valadian and Commonwealth naval vessels shadow each other in the Bay of Kings

BAY OF KINGS, NEAR QADEIMAH - An ongoing standoff between Commonwealth and Valadian ships in the Bay of Kings has escalated, with Valadian naval vessels interposing themselves between Commonwealth forces and the Akamian port of Qadeimah.

The standoff began when the Akamian coast guard detained three fishing vessels in the Bay of Kings. The Valadian fishermen are accused of violating the Commonwealth's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). When the Akamian coast guard ships moved to intercept the fishing vessels, a nearby Valadian task force in the Northern Sea then moved to block the Akamians from detaining the fishermen. This prompted the Akamian government to request backup from Commonwealth naval vessels.

Six Valadian naval vessels are now locked in a standoff off Qadeimah with four Commonwealth naval vessels and two Akamian ships; the Valadians have refused to allow the Commonwealth vessels to move the detained fishing vessels to the Akamian port. The Valadian Empire does not recognize the Commonwealth's EEZ, declaring the Commonwealth's claim of international law to be "a fiction bandied about by those nations who recognize the World Assembly," in the words of Valadia's Emperor, Andellaias.

"The only international law Valadia recognizes, for the moment, is regional law. There is no regional law that says we cannot fish the Bay of Kings. Therefore, the Commonwealth has no grounds to detain our vessels or harass our fishermen," the Emperor declared in a speech today. "We have warned the Commonwealth that we regard their detention of our citizens, on the flimsiest basis of so-called law that only a select few recognize, as tantamount to piracy, and we demand that they release our vessels and citizens at once," the Emperor added.

For its part, the Commonwealth has refused to blink. Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian said today that the Commonwealth "will defend its legitimate maritime boundaries as recognized by international law."

"We insist that the Valadian Empire remove its naval forces from the Bay of Kings, and ceases interfering with the legitimate operations of the Commonwealth and its member state naval forces in our clearly defined exclusive economic zone," Zurabian said in an emergency press conference. She reported that one Akamian coast guard officer was seriously injured when the fishermen were detained, while three of the fishermen were likewise injured. "This would not have happened if the fishermen had allowed themselves to be detained, or had left our waters when first asked to," Zurabian said, laying the blame at the Empire's doorstep.

While no clashes have yet occurred between Valadian and Commonwealth naval forces, the situation remains tense as the Valadians have blocked the port of Qadeimah from the Commonwealth vessels attempting to take the fishermen in for arrest. Four naval vessels of the Republic of Santosa, in support of the Commonwealth, have deployed to the Central Strait, further increasing tensions.

[Senate Island]

Regional news

• Senate officials announce that a compromise has been brokered between the Commonwealth and Valadia to resolve their dispute in the Bay of Kings. Akamian authorities will allow the Valadian fishermen and their ships to leave, after transferring the fish they caught to Akamian fishing vessels. In return, the Akamian government will "suspend" the charges it had brought against the Valadians.

The compromise was brokered by Tehuacáno President Mayra Aruquipa, who volunteered to mediate between the two sides. "No one wants a war, and I believed I could make both sides come to see reason. Thankfully, I was right," Aruquipa said as she left the Senate Building today. Aruquipa acknowledged that another reason for her intervention was the possible involvement of Santosa in the conflict. "I had no desire to see a fellow Hispanic nation of Lavinium plunged into war, and I am glad I could play a role in preventing that," Aruquipa said.

While Aruquipa's negotiations with Commonwealth and Valadian officials resolved the immediate issue, the question of maritime boundaries and resource rights is still up in the air, which leaves many convinced that this issue will arise again. "No nation in the region, even the Empire, is daft enough to start a war over fish," Simon Llewellyn, a Findhornian expert on regional affairs, said. "But these issues have a way of causing problems until finally resolved by strong laws and enforcement. Until that happens, we will likely see further conflicts, as Valadia does not seem to believe in international law."

---

The Commonwealth of Independent Nations

• Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian praised the intervention of Tehuacáno President Mayra Aruquipa in the Commonwealth's dispute with Valadia over maritime boundaries as "an act of great statesmanship that helped avert a conflict". Zurabian added, however, that the Commonwealth will continue to defend its maritime boundaries, and will continue its campaign to enter strong maritime regulations into regional law.

Zurabian also praised the Santosans for deploying naval vessels to assist the Commonwealth, adding that Santosa's "decisive action played a significant role in convincing the Valadians to back down."

• Government officials confirmed today that the Commonwealth will begin formally encouraging its citizens to migrate from the mainland to the Commonwealth's overseas states outside the region. "Our environment on the mainland has limited resources, and has been strained to breaking by our population growth, even with the great advances in technology and management we have made," Zurabian said. "At the same time, we have vast territories outside Lavinium with minimal populations in comparison, and much greater ability to support large populations. It would be foolish of us not to take advantage of that," the Chief Councillor said. The Commonwealth government will offer financial incentives and relocation assistance to its citizens to move from the mainland, likely accelerating a process which had already begun after the Republic War. Zurabian said that she expected "some resistance" from mainland leaders afraid of losing votes and political power with the loss of population, but that the Sovereignty Council "fully backed" her plan.

• In response to concerns that Zurabian's plan to reduce the mainland's population would make the Commonwealth vulnerable to enemies within Lavinium, Defense Minister Yusuf bin Thuwaini announced that the Commonwealth would redeploy all of its military forces to Lavinium, except for local garrisons and training units. "We face no extant threat outside Lavinium, and a very real threat in Lavinium, in the form of the Valadian Empire," bin Thuwaini said. "This redeployment will show that the Commonwealth does not back down in the face of threats, and will discourage Valadian attempts to force its will in the region."

bin Thuwaini acknowledged concerns that the redeployment would make the overseas Commonwealth states vulnerable to secure Lavinium, but said that the military forces levied by each member state "are more than sufficient to defend them from any plausible enemy until such time as we can move Commonwealth forces to defend them."

---

Valadia

• In a terse press release, Emperor Andellaias thanked the Tehuacáno President for "helping the Commonwealth see reason, and end its act of piracy and kidnapping against our citizens and fishing vessels." The Emperor stated, however, that Valadia still does not recognize any international law not enacted by the Lavinium Senate.

---

Santosa

• Tayl Air was officially handed over to Arx Airlines today after the Queendom of Arx won a competitive action for the bankrupt airline. In a modest ceremony the company was signed over to the successful buyers and its new parent company. The former CEO of Tayl Air signed over his company along with the deeds to all properties owned by the company before stepping down so that Arx Airlines could appoint a new management team.

Tayl Air was declared bankrupt after a string of financial mistakes and shortcomings which was worsened by unqualified staff and poor management. This coupled with poor corporate staffing choices and misuse of company money dealt a crippling blow to the already ailing airline. CEO and corporate guru Enrique Hualez scorned the former CEO and his staff, he felt that Arx Airlines' acquisition of Tayl Air was the best thing that had happened to the company and that now it would likely see profit and stability.

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Cadish Provinces

• Naturalists protested in front of the Senate building in Tempest Alde against the decision for expanding military shipyards. The decision was made after Senators expanded funding for the Cadishi Naval Forces.

"By creating these shipyards they plan to destroy our coast lines and ocean life. We cannot permit our government to fund a project that will build machines of war and more pollution of our climate!" said multiple leaders of the Climate Protection Association.

Military leaders however assured that the shipyard projects were essential for military protection of the country. The Cadishi military claim that they "share no responsibility for the environment" but rather that they must do what they must to protect the nation.

• 43 civilians, 54 soldiers and a Valadian operative were slain in an attack by the Sons of Tetra in Gelis-Hal. The attack was provoked by the attempts of military forces relocating and questioning of the citizens of Gelis-Hal, brought up by the Trail Seeker Initiative. Union leaders have had no reply to the incident, while multiple civil rights groups claim support for the families of the slain.

[Mawaii]

Today in Mawaii the unthinkable has happened. A terrorist group known has The Will of Force sat off a bomb in the Madrid Imperial Palace. The plan was to blow up the small dining room while the Imperial family ate their dinner which they always have at 7:30. The Emperor's wife Empress Maryann wasn't feeling well so tonight dinner was cancelled. The bomb went off at 7:55 killing 3 guards And 7 servants. There are several other people in hospitals right now. Emperor Michael IV is outraged he plans to have the people responsible executed for treason. The parliament of Mawaii declared a three month full mourning period for the victims. The Mawaiian Orthdox Church officials are praying for the recovery of the victims who survived and all schools have been closed.

[Senate Island]

• The Treaty of Sharyngol was signed today, formally inaugurating the Lavinium Treaty Organization (LTO). The current signatories are the Commonwealth of Independent Nations, the Queendom of Arx, the Theocracy of Lamaist Tibet and the Republic of Santosa. "Today, we inaugurate a new era in Lavinium, one in which justice, dignity and liberty will take flight. The LTO pledges to shine as a beacon of civilization against the forces of darkness in our region, and to work to help Lavinium uphold its core values of diversity, equality and prosperity," Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian, of the Commonwealth of Independent Nations, said at the treaty signing.

• Regional officials condemned the terrorist attack in Mawaii today, pledging assistance to the nation should it be needed. "We have been combating the agents of terror for some time now in Lavinium, and this latest attack shall not go unanswered," regional Delegate Sophie Fournier said.

• The rebels in Greenland's civil war have claimed to foreign reporters that they have successfully launched an operation to relieve the 2nd Corps in Aarhus, driving Federal forces out of the city altogether. The Greenlandic government did not directly confirm or deny the report, but merely stated that the situation was "very fluid". Reporters have yet to enter the city but observed heavy fighting throughout the night. If rebel claims are accurate, it would mark a decisive and much needed victory in a war which has otherwise consisted almost entirely of Federal successes. On the other hand, a claim by the Federal government that supreme rebel commander General Salmonsen was killed in the fighting at Aarhus has yet to receive comment from rebel leadership.

• In a daring early morning raid agents of the Santosan Wildlife Association seized a number exotic animals from a black market dealer in a personal residence on the outskirts of the city of El Quesa. Among the rescued animals were six tigers, five Chimpanzees and a lone Leopard. All of the animals were malnourished and in poor health, a fact that appalled all staff involved. The animals have been relocated to a reserve for temporary housing but their long term existence remains a problem. The animals are exotic and not compatible with the variety of environments in the Republic of Santosa. A spokeswoman for the SWA spoke of the animals.

"The animals we recovered from the black market poacher are all undergoing medical checks and vet treatments to bring them back to health. However, the problem is that these animals are not accustomed or able to live in any of the environs in Santosa. They could be relocated to artificial habitats in Zoos across the country but we believe that these poor animals have been through too much stress and that they should be returned to their natural habitats to live free as nature intended. It is the only right thing to do after the horrors that they suffered at the abusive hands of the poachers. So we are appealing to the nations of Lavinium, who may possess the appropriate environments for these animals."

The poacher who kept the animals confined in unsanitary and terrible conditions has since been arrested and charged with animal creulty and poaching, both of which are considered serious crimes in the Republic of Santosa. Other animals among those rescued were; three Emerald Boas, two polar bears, one Great Grey Owl and two Dromedary Camels. The Boas have since been released into Santosan rainforests but the other animals remain in captivity. Santosan Wildlife officials are now investigating a serious black market animal poaching and smuggling ring.

• On a brighter note the plight of Santosa's native Sable Wolves took a big step forward today as conservationists and wildlife experts performed population counts of both captive Sable Wolves and recently released packs. It is now known the there are now a total of five hundred and seventy two Sable Wolves. This population boom took place over a course of many months and was spawned by heightened fertility rates in female Sable Wolves and increased litter sizes. However the total population remains very much short of the four thousand five hundred needed to take the species off the Santosan Wildlife Association's Red List. A spokesman for the Save the Sable Wolf Foundation spoke on this tremendous success.

"What we are seeing is a biological response from those Sable Wolf packs that have been released into the wild. On an instinctual level they sense that their species is few in numbers and as a result the fertility rates in females has risen dramatically along with larger litters. Instead of alpha pairings where only the alpha pair breed the alpha male is instead mating with all females in his pack, a survival mechanism of sorts. But this behaviour is very unusual in wolf packs, we expect that when the Sable Wolf population rises to a stable level alpha pairings will resume."

There are now a total of thirty to forty Sable Wolf packs in the wild as well as another twenty packs in breeding centres across the Republic of Santosa. At last hope for a future for the Sable Wolves is in sight and their musical, sometimes eerie howls are starting to be heard once more. The government of Santosa released an official press statement after receiving the news thanking the Eternal Empire of Valadia for its help in helping the critically endangered Sable Wolves.

[Mawaii]

For Immediate Release

The Mawaiian Times

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VOL. 159 NO. 307

Monday, June 4, 2012

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Mayor Paquette's son to be charged with Treason!!!
Today at around 230 p.m. the Mawaiian Police stormed the Mayor of Alexandria's Palace. The Mayor was not happy with this he protested but when the Police found in his sons possessions a detailed map of the Madid Imperial Palace. The small dining room and that general area is costing millions of Mawaiian Crowns to rebuild. The Police had been tipped off by the Imperial Secret Police who were tipped off by their spys that infiltrated the terroist group The Will of Force. The Secret Police and the Police are working together to find out who else was involved in the horrible act other than Mayor Thomas Paquette's only son Collin Paquette who is only 16 years of age. the disgraced Mayor Paquette resigned has soon has he relized what his son had done. General Charles Ulric
Petanovoi has stepped in has acting mayor until the Emperor can chose someone else. The former mayor is so disgraced that he has left Alexandria for his country estate. Collin Paquette has been incarcerated and shall remain so until his trial; he will probbaly be found guilty of treason for which the punishment is death, but due to his young age it will probably be commuted to life inprisonment without the possibility of parole. The Imperial Family rarely use The Madrid Imperial Palace, but now they will use it even less they usually stay at The Jubilee Palace, Tallgarn Palace or the Gessena Castle.

[Senate Island]

• The President of Santosa, Alejandro Ramirez, has passed away at the age of seventy. Ramirez was the son of national hero Miguel Ramirez and served as the President of the Republic of Santosa for over five decades. President Ramirez was physically healthy at the time of his death and no signs of foul play were discovered. A government coroner gave a statement after examining the President's body. "In my investigations I was unable to find any trace of foul play or illness in the President. On the nature of President Ramirez's death I can only say this; he served a very long time in office and lead his nation through times of great stress and hardship but at the same time he was just a man. It would seem the pressures of office combined with old age caught up with him and he simply went to sleep and didn't wake up." The Ramirez family have received a huge amount of condolences and sympathy messages from the Santosan people as they begin the process of mourning. A traditional Santosan mourning is held over two days during which time the deceased is housed at home allowing for loved ones to properly say goodbye. It has been confirmed that a state funeral will be held for President Ramirez after the period of mourning is observed.

• The Valadian Emperor personally offered his condolences to the people of Santosa today, on the death of their President, Alejandro Ramirez. "President Ramirez was a statesman, and an able diplomat, one who even Valadians could view as a noble and worthy leader," the Emperor said. "He deftly balanced the many competing interests in this region, and always did what was best for his nation. We especially appreciated the fact that President Ramirez was always willing to talk to us, and give us at least some benefit of the doubt, unlike some regional leaders. His passing is a loss for the people of Santosa," the Emperor said.

• In the same speech, the Valadian Emperor strongly condemned the mining of the Southern Sea by Greenlandic rebel forces, and the incident where two Altan Ulus coast guard vessels rammed Valadian ships in the Strait of Trellwan. "These nations like to portray us as the violent aggressor, but it is clear who is escalating this situation," the Emperor said, warning that the Empire is "not prepared to accept the lives of its civilian sailors being endangered." Underscoring the Emperor's statement, naval experts noted that two Valadian battle fleets have begun performing "training exercises" in the Eastern Sea between Valadia and Findhorn.

• The Commonwealth offered its condolences on the death of the Santosan President, Alejandro Ramirez. "President Ramirez was both an icon of his nation, and a leader on the regional stage. He was a valued partner of our own government, and his presence will be greatly missed," Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian said.

• The Chief Councillor was also quick to respond to the Valadian Emperor's recent comments, saying that "if the Valadian fishermen in question had not been trespassing in what are recognized as Commonwealth waters by international law, none of these events would have happened in the first place."

"If his Majesty the Emperor doesn't want these incidents to occur anymore, there is an easy way to make that happen - stop violating the maritime boundaries of the Commonwealth," the Chief Councillor added.

• The government of the Commonwealth member state of the Khanate of the Altan Ulus announced that the monarchs of the Altan Ulus will be changing their names from their current Westernized versions, as part of its ongoing campaign to rediscover its ancient Rouran roots and "re-Easternize" its heritage. The Altan Khan, previously known as Aelkyn, will now take the name Arslan, while his wife, previously known as Melika, will take the name Minghan. Their young son, and the future heir to the Golden Sun Throne, will now be known as Dashiyn.

• The Federation of Alohria applied for membership in the Lavinium Treaty Organization today, and is expected to be given the status of full member by optimistic Alohrian political analysts. Alohrian interest in the LTO was said to be "mainly economic," by the Alohrian Public Relations Minister today in a press conference, although recent Valadian fishing incursions into the territorial waters of other Lavinium nations is said, by sources near to the Defense and Commerce Ministries, to have the government highly concerned about Alohrian shipping and offshore gas drilling.

• The Cadish Provinces gave its condolences to the Santosan people, for the death of their President Alejandro Ramirez. "It is a sad day, in a sad year, when a man of greatness passes from this world. President Ramirez was a strong, able and honorable man, passionate for his people. President Ramirez will always be a symbol in the strengths of not only the Santosan people, but of all of Lavinium. But a man nonetheless, and we should remember him so. He will live on. May the Ancestors rest his soul for the coming generations, for his honor shall prevail, " said Paragon Tural.

•The Cadishi 3rd Fleet launched several missile strikes on Sons of Tetra targets in the Southern Reach, south of Gelis-Hal. "Missile Strikes from the 3rd fleet were improvised to save lives, despite the backlash from citizens of Gelis-Hal, the Southern reach is stable enough for these strikes, it simply saves lives." Over 200 dead, with only a couple survivors, have been recovered from these targets, marking a large victory for the Union.

[The Altani Confederacy]

Large and in charge....again?
Zurabian pledges to rebuild Commonwealth military

SHARYNGOL - In its previous incarnation as the Altani Federation, what is now the Commonwealth of Independent Nations boasted the largest, most advanced and most powerful military in Lavinium. The shattering effects of the Republic War, however, reduced that strength to a shadow of its once-imposing power.

In its new role as a founder of the Lavinium Treaty Organization, and with the Valadian Empire continuing to present a threat to the region, the Commonwealth will begin rebuilding that military strength, Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian pledged today in a speech at the Commonwealth's Joint Base Sharyngol.

"With events in the region increasingly showing that the Commonwealth must not remain passive, and must lead the way in the face of a continued and expanding threat of aggression from imperial powers in Lavinium, we must commit ourselves to a program of restoring our military capabilities, in order to protect ourselves, our allies and the region as a whole," the Chief Councillor declared. In her speech, Zurabian announced plans to launch a large-scale program of naval and aerospace manufacturing and construction. The goal of the program is to double the size of the Commonwealth Service's aerospace and naval contingents within the decade.

Zurabian also announced plans to launch a major ramping-up of the Military Assistance Program, the program under which the Commonwealth provides military hardware to allied states at no or reduced cost. Zurabian stated that helping Commonwealth allies such as Alohria, Santosa, Arx and Tibet to expand their military capabilities is a "top priority".

While Zurabian acknowledged that the program of expansion and rebuilding will be expensive, the Chief Councillor cited the need to negotiate from a "position of strength" when dealing with aggressive powers such as Valadia.

"As the actions of imperial powers such as the Empire have shown, these nations do not respect, and will not listen to, nations that they perceive as weak. I am loath to expand our means of waging war, having been a diplomat during my career. However, as a diplomat, I am also keenly aware that words are meaningless if you cannot back them up with the power to enforce them," the Chief Councillor said.

With the Commonwealth economy showing signs of finally reaching the levels of prosperity it had achieved prior to the Republic War, and many Commonwealth citizens feeling that the desperate times of the immediate postwar period have passed, polls show increasing support for a program of military expansion. Over 68% of people polled in Akamia and 77% of people polled in the Altan Ulus, in a recent series of polls conducted by the NDRGroup, expressed support for military expansion. Of those in favor, 58% cited security as the reason, while 22% cited "restoring respect for the Commonwealth" as another reason. The great majority of those opposed, at 79%, cited the projected costs of Zurabian's program.

[Alohria]

Nautical Defense Act signed into law by President!

LIBERTIA- President Charles Dundefeller signed the Nautical Defense Act, which was narrowly pushed through a special session of Congress yesterday, into law. The Nautical Defense Act authorizes the formation of the Federal Navy, a military branch which hasn't existed in Alohria since the Neptune Uprising frightened the nation and prompted the government to dissolve the former Alohrian Navy.

The new Federal Navy will share naval duties with the preexisting Coast Guard and authorizes the recruitment of Alohrian citizens into the new navy. A mass recruitment drive is expected to target young Alohrians, and about 20% of the old Coast Guard will be transferred into the ranks of the Navy.

Although its name may not betray its full intentions, the Nautical Defense Act also increases the budget for the entire Ministry of Defense and authorizes the discretionary purchase of new equipment for the entirety of the Alohrian armed forces. It is expected that Alohria will resume talks with the Republic of Santosa and other military suppliers concerning the procurement of new military equipment.

[Senate Island]

Senate passes maritime legislation

Region on edge as Valadia threatens noncompliance

SENATE ISLAND - The regional government of Lavinium, the Senate, has passed legislation formally establishing regional maritime boundaries. The new regional legislation was approved by a 5-2-0 vote.

The legislation is based on World Assembly Resolution #168, Law of the Seas, and is intended to enshrine widely recognized international maritime boundaries as part of regional law in response to regional conflicts over Exclusive Economic Zones. Disputes between the Valadian Empire and several other regional states over such EEZs have led to several conflicts. The most serious incidents were the detention of several fishermen from the Commonwealth of Independent Nations by Valadian forces, the sinking of a Valadian fishing vessel that collided with a Greenlandic mine, and a clash between Alohrian and Valadian fishing vessels that was captured on video and has been widely circulated on both news outlets and the internet. Matters were brought to a head when Valadian forces dropped several tons of garbage into the Zalkatharian harbor of Port Viktor from the air, in retaliation for an incident where fishermen from Port Viktor filled Valadian crab pots with garbage and then welded them shut.

Valadia contended that there is no "international law" that bars them from fishing within the Exclusive Economic Zones of other nations, as the Eternal Empire does not recognize the World Assembly. "The WA barely even represents Lavinium, as only eight of the fifty-six nations in our region are members. It certainly does not represent all nations in existence, or even close to that; how can its intrusive mandates be construed as anything truly resembling international law?" Lord Aerham, Valadia's Foreign Minister, said when explaining the Empire's position. Lord Aerham also stated that Valadia considers it "uncompetitive, greedy and unfair" for nations to "partition off large portions of the region's waters as their exclusive domain."

"We have respected, and will continue to respect, territorial waters, but we do not, and will not, recognize so-called Exclusive Economic Zones," the Foreign Minister added.

With the passage of the new regional legislation, however, Valadia may not have a choice. Several regional officials have already warned Valadia that the Senate will call up its peacekeeping forces to make Valadia comply with the maritime boundaries now established as part of both regional and international law, if the Eternal Empire continues to ignore them. Some nations aren't waiting for the Senate; the Commonwealth of Independent Nations has already recalled and mobilized the majority of its naval forces and warned that no Valadian vessels, either civilian or military, will be allowed within 200 nautical miles of the Commonwealth until Valadia agrees to recognize the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Commonwealth and its allies.

"Yes, we know the Valadians don't recognize the WA; a lot of nations don't," Yusuf bin Thuwaini, the Commonwealth Defense Minister, said after the passage of the new legislation. "But this is regional law now. Valadia will comply, or it will suffer the consequences."

It is unclear if the Eternal Empire will in fact comply. Valadian officials had previously said that they did recognize the authority of the Senate, even if they did not recognize the WA, and would abide by any maritime boundaries written into regional law. After the legislation passed, however, Lady Kadys, Valadia's representative to the Senate, would only give a noncommittal statement that the Eternal Empire "would review its options and formulate an appropriate response."

If the Valadian response is noncompliance, observers fear that another regional conflict may be the end result.

[Senate Island]

• Cadishi officials and a representative of CIT Industries announced the release of NNEMP (Non-Nuclear Electro-Magnetic Pulse) missiles, formally known as the "Tempest," to Cadishi military field testers. Reports show that the Tempest is the Cadish Provinces' first successful attempt at creating an EMP weapon.

• A SHIELD Operative was found murdered in an abandoned lot in the industrial district of Tempest Alde. The body was recovered by Provincial Guardsmen and is currently being examined and returned to their country of origin. The known cause of death is massive hemorrhaging, although the Provincial Guard reported that the SHIELD agent was attacked with a bio-weapon. The operative, according to anonymous sources, is believed to be Santosan.

• Miguel Alonso, a suspected arms dealer of Tehuacáno citizenship, was convicted by the Consular Court of the Cadish Provinces, by a unanimous vote of 9-0, of charges ranging from arms-smuggling to supporting terrorism. The Consular Court decided not to give Mr. Alonso the death penalty, deciding it was too severe a punishment for his crimes. However, the Court was glad to give the smuggler a prison term of 130 years to be served consecutively, with little to no chance of parole.

• Cadishi officials described the now ice-cold relationship between the Cadish Provinces and Santosa to be that of "similar" but not legitimate "Cold War" between the two states. While the Union will keep on track with its participation in the SHIELD Initiative, Santosa has been put on the Union's Observation Watch. Paragon Tural made it clear that any Santosan action in Greenland and other "expansion" on the Meridies Continent will be closely watched. Paragon Tural also noted that the Union is considering offering La Plata economic and counter-insurgent aid and has decided that the requested Tempest missiles can be sent to Valadia for weapons testing. However, military observers will be sent to oversee the weapons and any testing the Valadians conduct.

• Valadian officials christened the Empire's fourth "assault fleet," named the Northern Crown Fleet, in a ceremony in Osvanona today. The new fleet joins the Northern Star Fleet, Northern Jewel Fleet and Northern Lights Fleet as the fourth fleet in Valadia's naval force designated for overseas operations. Three of those fleets are already in operations overseas, according to military observers. Valadian officials also confirmed longstanding and ill-concealed rumors that a new destroyer, the Xaltan-class, and a new cruiser, the Asfalin-class, are being rushed into service to replace older designs as the Empire continues its crash overhaul of its naval service. After the ceremony, Imperial officials expressed great interest in the NNEMP (Non-Nuclear Electro-Magnetic Pulse) missiles, or "Tempest" missiles, being developed by the Cadish Provinces. Imperial officials have submitted a request to Tempest Alde to see if some of the missiles can be provided to the Empire for testing purposes.

• The Santosan government announced today that the Cadish Provinces have officially been placed on its watch list due to their close relationship with the Eternal Empire of Valadia. Any military support or advice currently offered to the Cadishi by the Santosans has been withdrawn and observers stationed to keep a close eye on the actions of the Cadish Provinces.

• The Commonwealth government placed extensive new trade and travel sanctions on Valadia today, in retaliation for the Eternal Empire's defiance of a Commonwealth warning earlier this year not to involve itself in Greenland's civil war. "With Valadia openly interfering in the political and military situation in Greenland, it is clear that the Empire still has designs on gaining influence and power around the region, to the detriment of peace and the disruption of order," Minister of State Samira Shirazi said. Commonwealth intelligence reported that both Valadian and Santosan forces have been sighted at Nuuk, the center of the embattled Epapter government.

The new sanctions prohibit all travel and trade between Valadia and the Commonwealth, and also prohibit almost all diplomatic contacts. Despite calls from conservative Commonwealth politicians to take harsher action, the Commonwealth government does not plan to take more forceful steps.

The government has also summoned the Santosan ambassador to the Commonwealth to meet with the Sovereignty Council, to "request an explanation" for Santosa's own involvement in Greenland and its apparent cooperation with Valadia there. "Santosa is one of our closest allies in the region, but for them to be cooperating with Valadia on anything is quite troubling," a Ministry of State spokesperson said.

Some Commonwealth politicians are now calling for the Commonwealth to abandon its support of the Epapter government and switch to backing the rebels, in the wake of Valadian involvement. There are no signs, however, of any plans by the government to change course at this time.

• Protests erupted in several Tehuacáno cities today over the sentencing of Miguel Alonso, the Tehuacáno citizen accused of arms-smuggling and supporting terrorists by the Cadishi government. The protesters claimed that there is little to no evidence to support the charges, and that the sentence itself was overly harsh. Even government officials, who have tried to maintain Tehuacán's neutral status, could not contain themselves after the sentence was announced. "The sentence handed down by their court is inhumane and borders on barbarism," Public Security Minister Calixto Iñiguez, speaking on behalf of Tehuacán's legal system, declared to reporters. Iñiguez mocked the "mercy" shown by the Cadishi court. "Saying you will be merciful and not put a man to death, but will put him in jail for 130 years, shows that their courts don't know the meaning of the word. Such a sentence goes against all norms of humane sentencing. The world claims that Tehuacán is the worst of banana republics, but how ironic that a supposedly developed nation punishes people in inhumane ways that no Tehuacáno would even consider!" Iñiguez added.

President Mayra Aruquipa also condemned the sentence, and called on the Cadishi government to commute the sentence to a less lengthy one, or at least allow Alonso to serve it out in a Tehuacáno prison.

• The 2012 Lavinium Friendship Games, the annual regional sporting and athletic competition, officially kicked off today with opening ceremonies at the Senate Island Colosseum. The competition is scheduled to last several days and includes top athletes from nine of the region's leading states. A notable no-show to the Games is the Western Kingdom of La Plata, which announced that that it intends to boycott the 2012 Games as a protest against what it called the "ongoing, persistent and unjust bias against our Kingdom by regional powers and by the so-called regional government." The move has reportedly upset many La Platan athletes, who had been training for quite some time for the Games and were looking forward to representing their new state for the first time.